In SDT we represent signal and noise as a pair of distributions. Which of the following describes conservative responding? A) X_C is placed to the left of where the distributions meet B) the observer says "no" (signal absent) much more often than she says "yes" (signal present) C) the observer says "yes" (signal present) much more often than he says "no" (signal absent) D) X_C is placed where the distributions meet

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Conservative responding in Signal Detection Theory (SDT) refers to a bias where the observer prefers to say "no" (signal absent) more often than "yes" (signal present), erring on the side of caution and requiring a higher level of evidence before identifying a signal as present. This is opposed to a liberal bias, where the observer is more likely to say "yes" (signal present).

In SDT We Represent Signal and Noise as a Pair